My heart and the hearts of many dear local friends are broken today. A beautiful woman of our village, Carol Raynsford, was found murdered in Arizona over the weekend, along with her partner. It seems like a random act of violence.

I've tried to link to one of the stories; it's in the Washington Post and several others. But when I test the links, it doesn't let me in.

Having never met either you or your friend, Allison, I can nevertheless share your sense of devastation.

I came home from a weekend conference some years ago to news that my boss/friend was dead, and it was rapidly confirmed that this was 'suspicious'. Waiting for any information was emotionally draining; waiting for an arrest and a trial (several months) was nervewracking; and waiting for a verdict (to help us come to terms and make some sense of the horror of Mary's death) was a nightmare, because the trial was abandoned.

You can never change what has happened, but please try to focus on the good memories -- it's the only way to proceed, and I'm absolutely sure that it's what your friend would have wished.

When I was a teenager, my greatuncle's stepson was killed in a pub. Stepson & his son were having a quiet game of pool when somehow he "offended" a bloke who was very drunk. Bloke later followed them into the carpark & attacked stepson from behind, killing him.

Is Raynsford's former husband Keith Duesenberry related to Peggy Duesenberry, the old-time/contra fiddler who lived in Scotland a few years ago? (I've lost touch - used to play with Peggy for the local contra group, but she got too ill to continue).

You, and all the Ladies of the Chorus are in my thoughts at this sad news, I have come to feel a strong link with you all over the years I have been visiting and feel that your tragedy is also mine, in sadness Micca

There be a memorial service for Carol here in Nelson on January 21. Between now and then, friends are folding paper cranes to celebrate her love of life and peace.

A few years ago she performed in a production of a living history project called "Hotel Nelson". Her part was a parody of sorts, a wonderful song that she wrote called "Hill Farms Don't Pay". You can see her (in costume, but not far from the real Carol!) here (Gordon Peery at the piano).